Date of Award

Winter 12-13-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Emergency Management

Department

Nursing

College

College of Education and Health

Committee Chair

Dr. Shelly Randle

Second Committee Member

Dr. Jennifer Helms

Third Committee Member

Dr. Cheryl Monfee

Program Director

Dr. Jennifer Helms

Dean of Graduate College

Dr. Michael Bradley

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional descriptive research study was to explore nurses’ comfort levels toward caring for dying patients and what factors influence the bedside nurses’ comfort levels in providing end-of-life care in an acute care hospital setting. A convenience sample (N=63) of RNs voluntarily participated in an online survey from January 2025 to March 2025 that provided direct patient care. Data was collected through Question Pro. Data collected included sociodemographic questions, questions about current comfort level, factors that influence nurses’ comfort level, and selected items from the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Patient (FATCOD) scale. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and informed consent were obtained. The nurses’ total shortened FATCOD attitude scores were M= 73.65 (SD= 15.56). The findings included scores from Subscale 1, which measured nurses’ attitudes towards providing care to dying patients, and Subscale 2, which measured nurses’ attitudes towards the patient’s family. This study found that 22% of nurses were uncomfortable with discussing EOLC with dying patients and discussing the possibility of death with the patient directly. Nurses indicated that 19% utilized coping mechanisms learned through education or training to manage their emotions while caring for dying patients, 26% talked to colleagues or support groups, 27% took breaks and practiced self-care, and 20% used speaking with spiritual guidance or support. This study shows that factors such as coping strategies, education, and training may influence nurses' comfort levels. However, nurses still generally feel somewhat positive despite the demand for providing EOLC to patients more frequently.

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